Words.
It is hard to explain training camp with any words.
It was INTENSE (not only because we lived in-tents ;)) because we experienced so much in such a short time.
The 1st day felt like 5. The full 10 days felt like a month. It is crazy to think about all that happened in those mere 10 days.
They were exhausting in all the ways – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The plus to being exhausted is that once bedtime came I slept like a rock which is a blessing –
because we had various scenarios of living conditions that could happen on the World Race that was practiced during training camp from community living (10-person tent), half the squad losing their luggage (bunking/sharing with squadmates), sleeping in an airport (slept in training center with lights on all night and loud noises), camp out (sleeping outside on a tarp right next to each other), and others. There was always a surprise around the corner.
It was all good training. It was tough, but I understand the necessity because these things have happened to World Race Squads/teams while they were actually on the Race. It was good, so we could see how we worked together and to see who stepped up to lead and so on.
Overall, training camp was a whirlwind of trainings, team building, sweat, various living conditions, sweat, bucket showers, portapotties, communal meals, sweat, worship, group exercise, team bonding, sleeping, learning, stretching, sweat, crying, growing, hiking, dirt, baby wipes, laughing, processing, emotions, rawness, excitement, worries, praying, healing, intentionality, hygiene (what’s that?), sweat (we definitely know that), forgiveness, freedom, smiles, openness, and MUCH MORE!
Training Camp was a LOT.
God was there in it all!
A lesson that God taught me was forgiveness. I was extremely bitter towards someone in my life. I didn’t actually know I needed to forgive this person, as they are not a big part of my life.
Trust me, there is no magic timing or magic talk or even a magic prayer that makes everything good.
Forgiveness is a P R O C E S S . . .
I didn’t forgive that night during the talk about forgiveness.
I talked to God about it. I cried. People prayed over me. I asked for more prayer. I talked to God asking Him and telling Him I don’t want to declare that I forgave when I truly haven’t. I talked with one of my squad coaches. I prayed some more. I wrote a letter to God stating why I was bitter and that I need to forgive. I thought about it more. And so on…
This is a process.
I wanted to be sure that I believed it in my heart and mind that I was ready to forgive and to not tell anyone until I was 100% sure. I didn’t want to fake it.
Forgiveness is a choice we make.
I was afraid to forgive because I knew I would still remember what was done, and then I thought I would need to forgive each time and this would be an unending circle of recognizing the hurt and forgiving again and again.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you forget what was done, but it does mean that it has no power over you.
The evil one would love for me and you to hold onto the bitterness, but there is FREEDOM in forgiveness!
It is such a lightening feeling to forgive someone. The bitterness is gone and instead I ask God to give me strength to bless them instead. Trust me in saying that it isn’t an easy process, but it is very much worth it!
AND I DO DECLARE THAT I FORGAVE THIS PERSON! 😀
And boy it gave me FREEDOM!
Let us bless instead of curse.
Let us love instead of fear or hate.
And when we aren’t able, let us ask God for help!
P.S. If you would like to talk more about forgiveness with me, please do not hesitate to connect with me! 🙂 I would love to talk with you!
Or if you would like to hear more about my forgiveness story I would love to share with you the full story. It is a true testament to God’s faithfulness! <3
Another blog post to come soon about another lesson learned and relearned and will most likely be learned again!
Until then,
Much Love
Em
Matthew 6:14-15
Matthew 18:21-35
